Compare and Contrast Zimmermann and CAPT Von Spiegel about submarine warfare

Question: Compare and Contrast source A and source B about Submarine Warfare

Source A: Captain Von Spiegel

Source B: Zimmermann telegram

The Zimmermann telegram was different compared to Captain Von Spiegel because Zimmermann is hypothetical about submarine warfare while Captain Von Spiegel was actually in a submarine, attacking ships. The telegram said that Germany will enter unrestricted submarine warfare in February. The quote from the telegram, “We intend to begin on the first of February unrestricted submarine warfare," shows that Germany is preparing to execute unrestricted submarine warfare. This message was sent in January from the Germans to the German ambassador of Mexico. Germany is also proposing (one definition of hypothetical) to Mexico that Germany will help Mexico regain its lost territories in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. On the other hand, Captain Von Spiegel already unleashed unrestricted submarine warfare. He didn't even take the time to warn the ship to give the crew a chance live. "... in the hurry and panic, had been lowered with great stupidity either half full or overcrowded." If the ship has been warned, the crew wouldn't be in such a hurry.

Both the Zimmermann's telegram and Captain Von Spiegel show desperation. Captain shows this by saying "But it cannot be helped...War is war". Captain here is saying that there are other options, but war is war, and he has to destroy his opponent even if he doesn’t want to. Zimmermann makes his point by saying ""…we make Mexico a proposal of alliance on the following basis:…" This messages shows that they are so desperate that they are willing to go to a third nation for help.

Another way that they are similar is that the submarine warfare will be unrestricted. It is shown in the Zimmerman Telegram when it says, “We intend to begin on the first of February unrestricted submarine warfare.” In the Captain Von Spiegel account, Von Spiegel says, “'But it cannot be helped,' I went on thinking. ‘War is war, and every horse the fewer on the Western front is a reduction of England's fighting power.'” These two passages show how they are similar in making unrestricted U-Boat warfare.

Another difference is where Captain Von Spiegel is humane and the Zimmermann’s telegram is not (in submarine warfare). Von Spiegel says, “I must acknowledge, however, that the thought of what must come was a most unpleasant one.” “Mass of men were fighting their way on deck… at that point I could not bear the sight any longer, and I lowered the periscope and dived deep.” This says that what he did to the ship was something he couldn’t watch. He was showing some humanness here by saying that he can’t watch others suffer. But the Zimmermann’s Telegram is completely different. It doesn’t talk about humanness, instead, it is written to benefit the Germans.

1. How did the Great War change America (USA) internally?

This was also the first time the US government agreed to send large numbers of American soldiers to war across the sea.
In the beginning, the US didn't have a drafting policy. It was in May 1917, the Congress passed the Selective Service Act. This act requried all men from ages 21-30 to register for military service. Before this Act, military service was something one can volunteer to do. But after this act, military service was mandatory. In order to encourage the Americans to enlist in the Army, propaganda campaigns were launched.


2. How did the Great War change the way war was fought, in general?

Advance technologies completely changed the way wars are fought. Technologies like machine guns and heavy artillery changed the war. Machine guns can fire an amazing 600 bullets per minute. Instead of firing from a tiny pistol, a soldier can fire a .30 cal at a group of enemies without worrying about getting killed. Strategies were also changed. Instead of attacking or defending heads on, well grouped machine gunners can effectively defend a large force.
"Big guns" were also a new weapon introduced. These "Big guns" are able to punch 2100 pound shells. These guns scared the hell out of the enemies from far away.
These faster and deadlier weapons prevented wars from being fought on plains. Soldiers from each side had to dig trenches to prevent sharpshooters from hitting soldiers. Chemical weapons were also introduced into the war. The Germans were the first to use chemical weapons against its enemies.
Technologies like tanks were invented. The Allied took this opportunity to develop tanks. Then they used tanks to run across the no-man's land and attacked the Central Power.
Other inventions like improved planes and ships changed how wars are fought. Germans developed U-boats that can go underwater and go undetected to the enemy ship.

P1Q2 Compare and Contrast about the submarine warfare

The Zimmermann's telegram was seen by the government in the US. It was a note sent to the German ambassador of Mexico telling them that Germany will help Mexico regain its lost terrorties, Texas, California, and Arizona. This note was used to inspire Mexico to ally with Germany. The Germany thought this could work, because it was the strongest country of Europe.

The graph in History Alive! p286, shows a graph where the export value to the Central Power decreases and the money going to the allied nations increasing. This was because of Submarine Warfare. The Germans sunk a few ships that had Americans on it. The Americans aren't too happy about this, so the started to stop supplying the Central Power. This shows that Submarine warfare was the cause of the decline in trade between the US and the Central Power.

Zimmermann's note

The Zimmermann Note was a note from Germany to the German minister in Mexico. The note was intercepted by the Brits. The message was sent to the US by the Brits. The message told the German minister in Mexico that Germany will help Mexico regain its lost territories if Mexico was to team up with Germany against United States.

It was important that the US knew of this message because if they didn’t know, there will possibly be a surprise attack on homeland. The fact that Germany sent messages through the American British cable was good.

But this note may be a fake. It may be a fish to lure the US into the war. It is pretty obvious to the Germans that the Mexicans knew that it is pretty much impossible for the Germans to send supplies to Mexico.

President Wilson gave a war message after declaring war on Germany.